Last Modified: Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 11:43 p.m.

Photo Galleries

More than 3,000 people attended the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence’s 5K Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Fest in downtown Houma. The festival, in its 13th year, is presented by The Courier.

Festivities started Saturday evening with a 5K race through downtown Houma.

But the event is much more than a race as runners and other revelers converged afterward for food and live music from Bucktown All-Stars.

“It’s just a good, festive mood out here,” said Kelly Colwart of Houma. “The weather is really nice too."

Rain that had persisted since early Friday ended around midday Saturday, clearing the way for the festival.

The event expects to raise $80,000 for the foundation, nonprofit that supports Terrebonne public schools through grants for classroom activities, said Executive Director Yolanda Trahan.

More than 900 runners paid the $25 or $35 preregistration fee, with a few hundred more registering the day of the race, Trahan said.

Festival-goers paid a $25 contribution.

“I ran straight to the food,” joked Yolonda Honore of Houma.

Visitors were met with pulled pork, shrimp salad, jambalaya, sandwiches and other treats from more than 48 local businesses and community groups that donate their time and food.

“I'm not a drinker or smoker, but I love music and people dancing,” Honore said as her 4-year-old jigged beside her. “It’s a great atmosphere.”

Sue Bourgeois of Raceland accompanied three young grandchildren as they visited a magician and woodworoking station and had their faces painted.

“It’s good family time,” Bourgeois said. “It’s important to get them away from the computer screen and iPods once in a while.”

Trahan said the event wouldn't be possible without the 400 volunteers, corporate sponsors and food partners.

The foundation has raised more than $900,000 for the local schools in the past 12 years, she said.

<p>Cloudy skies made way for music, food and fun Saturday at one of the community's biggest fundraisers benefitting Terrebonne public schools.</p><p>More than 3,000 people attended the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence's 5K Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Fest in downtown Houma. The festival, in its 13th year, is presented by The Courier.</p><p>Festivities started Saturday evening with a 5K race through downtown Houma.</p><p>But the event is much more than a race as runners and other revelers converged afterward for food and live music from Bucktown All-Stars.</p><p>“It's just a good, festive mood out here,” said Kelly Colwart of Houma. “The weather is really nice too."</p><p>Rain that had persisted since early Friday ended around midday Saturday, clearing the way for the festival.</p><p>The event expects to raise $80,000 for the foundation, nonprofit that supports Terrebonne public schools through grants for classroom activities, said Executive Director Yolanda Trahan.</p><p>More than 900 runners paid the $25 or $35 preregistration fee, with a few hundred more registering the day of the race, Trahan said.</p><p>Festival-goers paid a $25 contribution.</p><p>“I ran straight to the food,” joked Yolonda Honore of Houma. </p><p>Visitors were met with pulled pork, shrimp salad, jambalaya, sandwiches and other treats from more than 48 local businesses and community groups that donate their time and food.</p><p>“I'm not a drinker or smoker, but I love music and people dancing,” Honore said as her 4-year-old jigged beside her. “It's a great atmosphere.” </p><p>Sue Bourgeois of Raceland accompanied three young grandchildren as they visited a magician and woodworoking station and had their faces painted.</p><p>“It's good family time,” Bourgeois said. “It's important to get them away from the computer screen and iPods once in a while.”</p><p>Trahan said the event wouldn't be possible without the 400 volunteers, corporate sponsors and food partners.</p><p>The foundation has raised more than $900,000 for the local schools in the past 12 years, she said.</p>